About Our Childcare

As a parent/carer, when choosing a nursery, you will be concerned about the sort of care your child will receive. We are a small nursery with a maximum number of 39 children, cared for in small groups in separate rooms. We would like to reassure you that we look on every child as an individual, with their own special wants and needs. Our staff work to ensure that every child in our care has the opportunity to grow and develop their own potential qualities, based on a feeling of security, love and friendship. Every member of our nursery team has been fully trained, or is undergoing training, with a qualification specialising in early years child care and paediatric first aid. We provide them with further training opportunities, to continue to develop their skills and keep them up-to-date. Many of them have been part of the team for over ten years and all of them bring total commitment to their work with children.

ATMOSPHERE

The nursery reflects a calm, friendly, home-like atmosphere which cultivates a sense of security in the children. Each day there are quiet times for children to rest, sleep and relax. The day is not strictly segmented. One activity flows into another, led by the needs of the children, not by a strict “timetable” approach.

Children are treated with respect. Staff take care not to raise their voices above normal conversational level when speaking to children.

Children are encouraged to try new activities at their own pace and emphasis is on a willingness to “have a go”. If they are unsure about trying anything, we take small steps to lead them on the path to learning new skills. Staff are positive about every child’s achievement, whatever this might be. Our last Ofsted report commented, “Children’s thoughts and views are valued by staff. They receive praise and encouragement from staff which means children grow in confidence and are proud of their achievements.”

KEY CARER APROACH

Each child is welcomed every day by one particular member of staff who takes a special interest in them. This member of our team makes a special bond with your child, getting to know their particular needs and preferences and looking after them at certain times of day, such as on arrival, on leaving and during meal times and breaks. This helps your child to feel relaxed with someone they know. The key carer observes progress and keeps the child’s development records.

STAFF: CHILD RATIO

In order to give your child the best opportunity for development, the nursery provides care in small groups. The staffing ratio is:Children under 2 years: 1 member of staff to 3 childrenChildren aged 2 – 3 years: 1 member of staff to 4 childrenChildren under 3 – 5 years: 1 member of staff to 6 – 8 children

This is the minimum staffing ratio. There are often days when the staffing ratio is higher and we can take advantage of this to take small groups of children out of the nursery, for example to the park, shops, library and sometimes the swimming pool (subject to parental permission).

Contact Us

Call us on 01732 459162 and ask to speak to Joanne, Nursery Manager, or Karen, Nursery Practice Leader.

Testimonials

I found my experience with Acorns to be excellent. The staff are genuinely enthusiastic and appear to do so much to stimulate the children and their introduction to learning! Thank you!

We are very grateful to all that you do for him as we know he has met some major milestones, including reading skills, from all your hard work, but it is his curiosity and love of nature that we feel you have really encouraged – it is very much appreciated!

I instantly liked the place when I visited … it was a home from home and came highly recommended. All in all I am delighted my children are with you and I think your staff are truly excellent. The kids love coming so that says it all.